Srinagar, Dec 29:
In the aftermath of the heinous attack on a retired Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Baramulla district, the police have announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for any valuable information leading to the identification and arrest of the perpetrators behind the incident.
On December 24, Mohammad Shafi Mir, a 72-year-old retired police officer and local muezzin, was shot dead by terrorists while giving the call for prayer (azaan) from a mosque in the Gantamulla area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. The assailant used a 12-bore rifle, firing at point-blank range, with the crime scene indicated the presence of pellets.
A senior police officer, speaking to Rising Kashmir, said that the decision to reward individuals providing crucial information was made to expedite the identification and arrest of those involved in the killing of the retired SSP. The informant’s identity will be kept confidential, he assured.
“We are also exploring various angles, including the potential involvement of rivalry. The investigation is underway, and all relevant details will be disclosed to the public upon its completion,” the officer added.
In a proactive move, the police have confiscated approximately 37 12-bore rifles from various villagers, promptly sending them to the District Police Lines (DPL) in Baramulla. A specialized team will conduct a thorough examination of these rifles to determine if any were used in the recent attack, marking a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to meticulously examine all possible leads and evidence.
The incident follows a series of targeted attacks on police personnel in the region, with Constable Mohammad Hafiz Chad seriously injured on December 9 near his residence in Hamdaniya Colony Bemina. Inspector Masroor Ahmad Wani, attacked by terrorists on October 29, succumbed to his injuries on December 7.
